Sheffield street flies the flag for World Cup

Residents on a Sheffield street have gone football crazy as they fly the flag for England.

Butterthwaite Road in Shiregreen has been turned into a sea of red and white, with dozens of St George flags on display across the street.

Homeowners spent around three hours on Tuesday putting up the flags to show their support for the national team before their first World Cup match tonight.

The display was arranged by landscape gardener and Sheffield Wednesday fan John Eller, who has lived on the street for 10 years.

The 54-year-old said residents had also tried to get hold of some Brazilian flags for the display but had not been able to find any.

He said the display was the biggest the street had ever created for a World Cup tournament.

“Nobody has ever bothered so I took it on myself,” he said.

“It adds more colour to the street and gets all the neighbours involved. It is good for community spirit.

“It took us about three hours to get them all up.”

Sheffield is expected to come to a near-standstill tonight as England play in the first match.

The game against Italy kicks off at 11pm, with pubs around the city due to be packed as football fans turn out in force to watch the national team in action, while thousands more watch the match at home.

John said he was hopeful England could perform well in this year’s World Cup despite the disappointments of the past.